The economy is looking up again, but the situation remains difficult in some sectors.
This is where the Federal Minister of Economics wants to help - the FDP reacts with ridicule.
Berlin - Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier has announced a further extension of economic aid to stressed industries.
With regard to the development in the Corona crisis, the CDU politician said: “We are monitoring developments very closely and, as Minister of Economics, I will not hesitate to extend this aid to the government in good time at the end of August, if the need arises Bring away. "
A few weeks ago, the federal government agreed to extend the central aid instrument, Bridging Aid III, as "Bridging Aid III Plus" until the end of September 2021.
Of course, he needs the approval of his ministerial colleagues for an extension, said Altmaier at a digital “Forum Culture and Creative Industries 2021” with a view to Finance Minister Olaf Scholz (SPD).
"But I am very optimistic that we will be able to provide this help to those who need help in the next few months."
Certain industries still need help
Altmaier referred to the difficult situation of the cultural and creative industries in view of closings.
Parts of the industry have seen a dramatic drop in sales.
The economy is picking up again.
But certain industries still need help.
With a view to the low number of infections and progress in vaccination, the CDU politician said: “Now we are slowly breathing again.” Much has been achieved together over the past few months.
But the threat is not yet over.
The economic policy spokesman for the FDP parliamentary group, Reinhard Houben, said of a possible extension of the bridging aid: “After he failed to get his way in June with his request to extend the bridging aid until the end of the year, Peter Altmaier is once again shining in his prime discipline big announcements. Letters of intent from the Ministry of Economic Affairs did little to help the many companies that were in the red during the pandemic-related closings. They need the planning security that they will not simply be dropped after September, but will be supported when restarting if necessary. ”Dpa